The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Scanning electron microscope close-up of the surface of a part produced by Additive Manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D-printing. The image shows a section through an internal cavity. The material is Ti6Al4V that has been processed through selective laser melting and then post-treated to remove loose powder from its cavities. By sectioning the part to open the cavity, it becomes clear that significant improvement in the cleaning process is needed to ensure a loose particle-free surface.As a consequence of its manufacture, loose particles adhere to the solid surface, which could be troubling for use in space. The largest particles seen measure about 100 micrometres across, around the width of an average human hair.